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Introduction

The University of Sheffield is seeking to appoint an outstanding academic leader as Dean of Sheffield University Management School.

This is a pivotal appointment offering the opportunity to lead a triple-accredited business school (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) with a strong reputation, and to shape its next phase through a clear focus on performance, delivery and impact in an increasingly competitive global environment.

The Role

The Dean will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring delivery across research, education and external engagement while strengthening the School’s long-term sustainability and reputation.

Key priorities include:

• Setting clear strategic direction and driving delivery across all areas of the School 

• Leading organisational development, including implementation of structural change 

• Strengthening financial sustainability and operational effectiveness 

• Building a cohesive, high-performing senior leadership team 

• Enhancing external profile, partnerships and global reputation 

• Supporting continued success across accreditation frameworks 

This is a role requiring both strategic vision and strong organisational grip, with the ability to lead through complexity and deliver sustained impact.

The Person

We are seeking an established academic leader with:

• A strong academic profile appropriate for appointment at Professorial level 

• Substantial senior leadership experience at Dean, Deputy Dean or equivalent level 

• A track record of leading change and improving organisational performance 

• Experience of building and leading effective senior teams 

• Evidence of operating at scale, managing complex portfolios and competing priorities 

• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders 

• The ability to operate effectively within complex institutional environments 

• A commitment to inclusive leadership and a high-performing culture 

Candidates should demonstrate readiness to lead a Management School of this scale and complexity, including those who have held interim or acting Dean responsibilities or equivalent scope.

Terms of Appointment

The appointment will be made on an open-ended Professorial contract. The role of Dean will be offered for an initial period of five years, extendable by mutual agreement.

Further Information

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University, and an executive search process is being carried out in addition to the public advertisement. 

Further information and how to apply is available here University of Sheffield - Dean of Sheffield University Management School | AQ and should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact:

Carolyn Coates on +44 (0)7825 871 944 or carolyn.coates@andersonquigley.com 

Kiersten Avery on +44 (0)7510 384 735 or kiersten.avery@andersonquigley.com 

The closing date for applications is NOON on Friday 5th June 2026

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